Rope access is a concrete method for structure inspection and repair

10 February 2014

Leading rope access specialist Skyriders has developed a reputation for being an industry-leader in the provision of concrete inspection, repairs and maintenance for a variety of industrial applications, thanks to its unrivalled track record in Africa.

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10 February, 2014: Leading rope access specialist Skyriders has developed a reputation for being an industry-leader in the provision of concrete inspection, repairs and maintenance for a variety of industrial applications, thanks to its unrivalled track record in Africa.

Access to tall structures such as cooling towers and silos is often limited and dangerous. In order to gain access to these types of structures, Skyriders makes use of various industrial rope access techniques such as bolting and aiding, which enables its rope access technicians to safely and easily ascend or descend the structure.

Skyriders marketing manager Mike Zinn notes that once access has been established, temporary or permanent platforms can be set up allowing Skyriders to carry out a wide range of concrete testing services. “This testing provides industries ranging from power generation to sugar processing with significant savings in terms of cost and time, as scaffolding can be costly and time consuming, and the cost can be disproportionate to the work that needs to be carried out.”

"Working closely with engineers, Skyriders rope access technicians conduct structural integrity and protective coating surveys. These determine the extent of any damage to the concrete, reinforced steel, paint or any other coatings that cover the structure. Once a problem has been identified, Skyriders will carry out the required repairs in order to prevent further deterioration," he says.

In addition to inspecting and repairing concrete structures, Zinn indicates that Skyriders provides a strengthening and maintenance service too. Concrete maintenance includes the application of corrosion inhibitors, barrier coatings systems and expansion joint sealing.

"Once the inspection is complete and it is determined how much reinforcing steel must be treated, maintenance can begin. Any rust is removed and corroded sections are replaced, before the steel is coated with epoxy and covered with cement. To protect the reinforcing steel from the effects of carbonation, barrier coating and corrosion mitigating inhibitors are applied to the structure."

Looking to the future, Zinn notes that Skyriders plans to increase its market share in the water infrastructure market of South Africa. “We are looking to market our services and capabilities to South Africa’s water authorities, as a number of local dam walls and reservoirs are currently in poor condition, and we have the ability and resources to help improve this situation – by inspecting every millimetre of the walls in less time than it takes for scaffolding to be installed,” he concludes.

Ends

Notes to the EditorThere are numerous photographs specific to this press release. Please visit http://media.ngage.co.za and click the Skyriders link.

About SkyridersSkyriders (Pty) Ltd, established in 1998, is a leader in the South African rope access industry, providing cost- and time-saving solutions to clients in the power generation and petrochemical industries who require rope access aided inspection, NDT and maintenance work to be done in difficult to reach, high-up locations.